Former West Boylston principal publishes first novel

HARWICH — During his final year as principal at Major Edwards Elementary School in 2009, Tom Caruso began working on what he thought would be his next project, a historical novel.

His retirement was twice interrupted when demand for his leadership experience led him to two post retirement positions. The first was a two-year position as principal in Brooklyn, Conn., that was followed by a 16 month, second retirement. Caurso then found himself in another principal's position in Killingly, Conn.

"My first retirement lasted 16 hours," Caruso said. "I left work at Major Edwards on a Tuesday and started in Connecticut the next day, so the book got put on the shelf, literally and figuratively. It took me four years, but I published it in February."

The novel, "Island War," is rooted in the Palestinian and Israeli conflict. The twist is that the conflict is brought to the United States, and the mastermind takes US citizens hostage in an attempt to force the United States to strong arm Israel into make concessions for the Palestinians.

"I have always been into history and political science," Caruso said. "It's the kind of reading I do, so it fit my interest."

Caruso said that he learned a lot about the writing and publishing process as he did the book.

"The writing was fun, and cathartic in a way," he said. "But the publishing process was totally new. I learned a lot along the way, and made some mistakes.

"It was fun to do," he said.

Caruso said now that he is finally retired for good, he has begun work on a second book.

"This one is non-fiction, about my days as a school principal," he said. "But some people will think it is fiction, with some of the stories I have to tell.

"All names will be changed to protect the innocent," he added.

"Island War" was published by Booklocker.com. It is available in paperback and e-reader from Amazon.com. It is also available, by ordering, through Barnes and Noble. It is not stocked in the stores, Caruso said.